PM Modi Addresses Khalistani Extremism During Strategic Talks with UK's Starmer in Mumbai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in comprehensive discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai today, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations in trade, defense, security, and critical technology sectors. During their talks, the issue of Khalistani extremist activities in the United Kingdom was also addressed.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed to NDTV that the subject of Khalistani extremism, previously discussed in July, was raised again in today's meeting. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that "radicalism and violent extremism had no space in democratic societies" and should not be permitted to misuse freedoms provided by democratic frameworks. He stressed the importance of taking action against such elements within the existing legal systems of both countries.

India's concerns stem from several recent incidents in Britain, including a security breach during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's March visit to London, where protesters disrupted an event at Chatham House. The Ministry of External Affairs had condemned these "provocative activities" by "separatists and extremists," deploring the "misuse of democratic freedoms" and expecting host governments to fulfill their diplomatic obligations.

India has consistently highlighted incidents ranging from demonstrations outside the Indian High Commission in January to disruptions of cultural events, including attempts to stop the screening of the film "Emergency" in Harrow. During his UK visit earlier this year, PM Modi had conveyed India's concerns regarding Khalistani extremists' secessionist activities against India, stating that those who "misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held accountable."

Foreign Secretary Misri also mentioned that Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences for the recent Manchester attack on a synagogue in the United Kingdom.

The meeting, which included a UK business delegation of over one hundred executives, followed the free-trade agreement signed in July and reflected the growing bilateral defense and technology relationship. Prime Minister Modi noted that bilateral trade currently stands at USD 56 billion and expressed confidence that the target of doubling this figure would be achieved before the 2030 deadline. He also announced that nine UK universities would establish campuses in India.

Prime Minister Starmer invited industry leaders from both countries to identify governmental actions needed to remove barriers to capitalizing on opportunities. "We want to support you to maximize the potential in relation to this trade agreement," Starmer remarked, highlighting a 6 billion pound boost in trade and investment during the three months since the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed in July.

The British leader arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday morning for a two-day visit, accompanied by 125 of the UK's most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educationists. His visit comes approximately two and a half months after the landmark free trade pact was established during PM Modi's London visit in July, which aims to increase market access, reduce tariffs, and potentially double bilateral trade by 2030.